TLDR:
Key Points:
- UK academia should build more tech companies using its expertise.
- Industry leader Alexis Dormandy emphasized the importance of commercializing research in fields like life sciences.
The article discusses how the UK scientific community can leverage its expertise to create more home-grown tech companies, as highlighted by industry leader Alexis Dormandy. Dormandy, known for launching brands like Virgin Mobile and serving as CEO of Oxford Science Enterprises, spoke at an event organized by Imperial Enterprise. He compared UK academia to oil in the Middle East, emphasizing that it is a national asset that should be developed internally instead of selling it off. The panel at the event emphasized the need for ambitious collaboration between government, universities, and academics to turn research discoveries into successful commercial ventures. The discussion also highlighted the importance of partnerships with investors and the personal aspect of forming successful business relationships. The event, part of a series by Imperial Enterprise, aims to support academics and students in translating their research into technologies that have a real-world impact. The article also mentions new initiatives at Imperial College London to boost innovation, including the Imperial WestTech Corridor and a new investment fund, Science Capital Imperial. These initiatives, along with the support available for staff and students, aim to enhance the university’s innovation capacities.
